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muurtje

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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 22:46
Past the Outlet Mall along Al Ain Road. Just keep going and then it's on the right side of the road. <em>edited by muurtje on 10/05/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 22:26
Ok, so the lyrics are s3xist and very over the top, but to me the moral is that you, both the husband and the wife shouldn't forget that you are lovers too. It is so easy to get comfortable together and not really put much effort into the romance department. There are always excuses not to make time for each other (work, children, tired, stress etc), but the rewards when you do are great!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 17:38
How about renting a stall at the fleamarket in Safa Park? Or have they closed down for the summer?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 17:28
I love the tune too! I think there is an element of truth in it (taken with some salt). Just as we wouldn't want our husbands to sit on the couch, Al Bundy style with a beer in hand shouting at the tv. Really enjoy the rhymes! Just hope the OP doesn't mind.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 17:02
I feel for you Chickchick. It can't be easy for either of you. I think that going away for a weekend would be a good idea. Maybe to a desert resort so you will have a very relaxing time. I wish you all the best and hope that your hubby soon realizes how much he is missing. It reminds me of a song: Hey, little girl, Comb your hair, fix your make-up. Soon he will open the door. Don't think because There's a ring on your finger, You needn't try any more For wives should always be lovers, too. Run to his arms the moment he comes home to you. I'm warning you. Day after day, There are girls at the office, And men will always be men. Don't send him off With your hair still in curlers. You may not see him again. For wives should always be lovers, too. Run to his arms the moment he comes home to you. He's almost here. Hey, little girl Better wear something pretty, something you'd wear to go to the city. And dim all the lights, Pour the wine, start the music. Time to get ready for love. Oh, time to get ready, Time to get ready, Time to get ready For love.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 11:32
I'm not from Germany, but my parents lived there for a year. My German isn't great, but I can get by. I didn't think Frankfurt had a 'cold' vibe and neither did my parents. However like in any big European city it can be difficult to meet people. I think Frankfurt has a large Expat community due to the many international companies. To live in Germany it is key to speak the language. You don't need to be fluent, but it is really appreciated if you try. Would you have time to go and visit? I take it you and your husband are not limited to one particular area in Germany? Good luck. I think that overal Germany is a lovely country and the people are very friendly.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 11:18
Frankfurt am Main is great. Lots of (international)schools and cycling along the Main is one of my favourite things to do. It is also not as cold as Hamburg although it does have snow in winter. Good luck!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 11:06
This is an old family favourite called: Hamburger Casserole. Over the years I've added some extra veg, perfect for sneaking in and getting the children to eat them. For four people: 500gr mince meat 1 large onion 1 large carrot 2 celery stalks 2 cloves of garlic 1 bottle of passata oregano cinnamon Bag of tagliatelle bunch of spring onions 1 courgette Tub of creme fraiche Tub of cottage cheese. Grated cheese Chop up the onion, carrot, celery and garlic. Sweat off in some olive oil. Turn up the heat and brown the mince. Add the passata, oregano and cinnamon. Let it simmer for about 20min. Meanwhile cook the pasta. Drain off and let it cool off for a minute. Then while still warm add the creme fraiche, cottage cheese, courgette and spring onions. Mix well. In a deep oven proof dish, put the pasta mixture. Add the sauce and meat mixture on top of that. If you want to freeze the dish leave off the cheese. Otherwise sprinkle a layer of cheese on top and put in the oven for about 20 min at 180. If it comes from the freezer make sure it is fully defrosted and leave it in for about 30 min. ps. Cold leftovers are great too and even if it's heated in the microwave it still tastes great.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 May 2011 - 21:11
I completely understand where you are coming from. My DH is from SA and I'm from NL. We often have discussions about where we will end up. SA isn't an option for me personally. I love it there, but the crime just scares me too much. Also the jobs out there are generally lower paid unless you are willing to live in Joburg. NL isn't an option as the tax-rates are even higher then in the UK. The UK seems a good option, but once we have children I don't think living in London will work for us (neither of us are real city people), and it has it own sort of problems... For us living here is great. It is neither my country nor his. This means that neither of us are emotionally attached and can't 'blame' the other for anything that is wrong with the country. I would follow my husband to the end of the earth and back, but am very lucky that he always consults me before deciding on moving and I really have an equal say in it. I wish you all the best whatever the outcome is and hope that both you and your DH will end up somewhere where you feel happy.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 May 2011 - 11:27
My personal feeling is that a good quality plain one ( don't like the embroided ones) shouldn't cost more then say 50drh each. You will be able to get them cheaper especially as you are buying six. I bought some lovely ones at Global Village and plan to buy a whole stack next year so that I will always have a few to give away or take with as presents. Make sure they are super soft and quite thin. A proper pashmina will be losely woven. Good luck!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 19:11
We have occasional proper fights, probably once every six months or so. However we do often have mini-arguments and the most frustrating thing for me is that when I get angry DH often finds me cute and starts laughing. When he does that I can't stay angry... try to sulk sometimes but often forget quite quickly.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 18:41
Lamb chops and a chicory salad.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 00:08
Peanut butter and cucumber or proper salami with lettuce. DH's loves a fried egg sandwich be it morning, noon or night. Quite handy when I don't feel like cooking a proper meal. ;)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 00:03
Bump I would like to know too!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 23:54
Will give it a try right now. Thanks so much!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 22:27
Heights, especially on stairs and escalators, but slightly stranger then that: BANANAS!!!! Can't stand them; their smell, the taste, the sound they make when being mushed (or eaten by people who can't keep their mouths closed). Disgusting! Have not eaten one for the last 23 years and will leave a room if someone close by eats one.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 May 2011 - 22:41
How about a training agency for staff; a place where shops can send their staff to be trained in customer services and efficiency. I am convinced that if staff were better trained and had the right attitude there would be so many more sales and happy customers! Something that I miss terribly is a good plus size clothes boutique where they would sell different brands from Europe, the US etc for reasonable prices and where the quality was good and the clothes flattering and young (i.e. not the cheap sweaty stuff that Ev@ns sell or the frumpy stuff you buy and Ulla P*pken)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 14:33
Buy me a Pony, how long are you in corporate housing for? You will need a minimum of two weeks ir oder for you to find a house and organise the paperwork. You might end up camping in your empty house for a while. Lots of people do. The houses is the area that you are talking about come in types, so if you've seen one Type 2 you've seen them all. This makes things easier. Try and be as precise in your requirements as possible. This will limit the amount of houses that you will need to be shown. It is possible to find a house that you like in one or two viewing days, but I don't understand why you will only be shown a limited amount of houses and why it needs to be done in two days. Is this via the company? It is easy here to organise a viewing with an estate agent, so being on your own won't be such a problem. One tip that helped us find our house is just to drive through the area that you like and look out for for rent signs. Often the houses are open and you will be able to take a peak and then phone the agent. Good luck!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 09:36
My brother and I don't have a very active relationship. We speak on the phone occasionally and we keep in touch via FB and the odd sms. However when we see each other it's great. I also feel very protective towards him and nobody but me is allowed to say anything bad about him! Sometimes I wish we had more contact, but at the moment our lives are very different and there is also a large physical distance. Miss the dinners at my parents where we would get together. Maybe in a few years we'll all be in the same country again. IMO distance or not having a lot of contact doesn't change the feelings that we have for each other and we will always be united by our blood and our upbringing. As children we weren't close at all and spent most of time fighting and driving my Mum to despair. I think was the age difference mostly. (I'm 3.5 years older)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 08:59
Lady Johanna Alita-Vredenoord and Lord Godfrey Guss-Glenmere
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 16:20
My parents visited Dubai in spring 1982 while my Mum was pregnant with me. They came to visit us early this year and couldn't believe the changes. Jebel Ali spa resort had just opened back then and they were one of the first guests to stay there. They also remember that there used to be people who would come out and sweep the road crossings. All the traffic lights would turn red and only turn green again once all the sand had been swept away and you could see the lines on the road again. A few people here have mentioned that Dubai has lost it's soul, I can understand that people feel that way, but IMO there is still plenty of soul to be found here. Since we have moved here we have felt very welcome and have made some truly special friends in a short amount of time!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 April 2011 - 00:24
What about if Amsterdam is the final destination? Do they have deals too then? Schiphol is one of the worst airports when it comes to taxes, so that could add quite a bit to the cost of your ticket. Will have a look though as I'm starting to feel a bit homesick...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 April 2011 - 00:13
Just bought the book. Will start reading it tomorrow and hopefully finish it soon. Just one question about all those 0%fat dairy products, I've always understood that they aren't actually that good for you as they don't satisfy as much as the real deal and also sometimes a lot of other non-sense is added to make them work as products. Wouldn't it be better to use less of the real stuff?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 April 2011 - 00:06
I've understood as we recently got a quote for a chiller/heater that these devices are quite efficient and using them will only add about 400drh onto your electricity bill a month, whereas the heater that we have (it doesn't chill and uses an element) adds bout 1100 drh extra to our electricity bill. It has been worth it though as I swim almost every day. If we owned a house here or there was some sort of guarantee that we will be able to stay here for a few years I would definitely get a heater/chiller. They are not cheap, we were quoted 25000drh for one so you need to be sure that you will be able to use it for quite a few years. A new heater costs about 6000drh.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 April 2011 - 00:00
Best friend is arriving tomorrow!!! Can't wait, have missed her soo much!!! Not really doing anything Eastery (is that a word?), but will have roast Lamb tomorrow for dinner. Slightly worried about all the Easter egg hunts, how do you prevent them from melting before you little ones have managed to find them? I remember many years ago we lived in a house with a very very large garden and would find Easter eggs when mowing the lawn untill deep into summer. Guess Dad hid them a little too well ;)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 April 2011 - 13:47
The stall in the Ranches doesn't have flags or bunting. They have some pillows and a cute money box, but not really any decoration bits...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 April 2011 - 13:46
The easiest desert in the world and soooo yummy! Buy good quality vanilla ice-cream. Let is go soft and add into it bit of chocolate, biscuits, nougat etc etc. Lace with a bit of something yummy (Cointreau). Put cling film in a baking tray or cake tin. Pour the melted ice-cream into it and put it back in the freezer and let it harden. Take it out of the tray or tin and you have a gorgeous looking ice-cream cake! Otherwise Tiramisu is always great!!!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 18:22
If red wine is not an option; try normal beer or perhaps even ginger ale. Sometimes I use stock and whiskey as it gives off a lovely smokey flavour, but make sure you don't use as much as you with beer and that it's not you DH's favourite 12 year old single malt :\:
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 01:02
Try the organic shop in Dubai Mall, they sell quite a few Weleda products.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 00:43
My advise is don't try to be this domestic goddess! We all have things that we are good and in things that we aren't. Focus on the things that you are good at and enjoy and (if possible) outsource the rest. For instance I hate cleaning with a passion so we have maid that comes in twice a week. However I love cooking so would never outsource that. Cooking is something that you get better at the more you do it. Start slowly. Don't try and make a three course meal from scratch if you haven't mastered a few simple dishes yet. Good Housekeeping has some excellent cookbooks. Including one with lots of pictures. If you find this too much, use ready made products such as sauces pre-sliced vegetables, microwave rice etc etc. These things can take the strain out of making a meal.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 15:39
The only thing he uses the passport for is to be able to stand in de shorter line when entering and leaving SA... There are many people here in the UAE who have multiple passports, so I don't think it's an issue here.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 15:29
My DH has 'the green mamba' and a UK passport and when we got our visa it was no problem that he has another passport too. I'm not even sure if they asked or even cared about it.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 15:00
Thank you ladies. Some great ideas! Looking forward to making dinner now instead of just wanting to order a take-away :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 13:38
This didn't happen here, but in HK. Friends of ours wanted a black bathroom suite (this was in de late 80's) and picked out a suite in white and asked if it was possible to have it in black. Yes of course Mam was the answer, so it was put in their bathroom. However when the DH used the toilet it turned out het had 'p%ssed' a white stripe right down the middle. Turned out they clever men at the factory had just painted the suite black!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 10:46
When it comes to the Ranches, just check that you are not too close to Emirates road as the traffic noise can get a bit much. Alma and Al reem would suit your budget. Apart from that I love living here. It's green, it's peaceful and the houses are lovely!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 10:34
So far it's been good. Our guests have behaved well and contributed either to shopping or meals out. Know that when my inlaws come it will be different. My FIL always expects us to pay for everything, but my MIL will buy lunch or insist on paying for her muesli... FIL is the cheapest person on the planet and always make a big deal about spending any money. Will see how it goes here in Dubai. I always let them know that there are toiletries available, and some of my guests have left some behind as well. I do agree that it is nice to receive a little present or if people bring you some things from back home. I think it is important to be quite 'strict' on who you invite and to tell them what you expect beforehand. It's a shame but it seems necessary...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 09:15
Chicory boats with tuna. Mix together some tuna, creme fraiche, mayonaise, S&P and some smoked paprika. Spoon into chicory leaves. This can also be done with chicken or shrimp. Pesto Palmiers (spelling?). Take some puff pastry, smear on some pesto or tapenade. Roll up and cut into slices. Flatten the slices slightly, sprinkle on some parmesan cheese and bake off in the oven.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 17:18
I am sorry to hear about your DS. It must be awful for both you and him. Agree with Shelly. Just one quick question, do you know if the infections he has were bacterial or a virus. If they were viruses, then there isn't much you can do and my guess would be he has been unlucky and his lower immune system has made him more susceptible to catching things. Good Luck!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 17:12
Broccoli, meatballs and baked potatoes. Keeping it simple this week ;)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 16:54
martial arts - any one of them, but Kung Fu is fantastic (my brother does it) and T'ai Chi, but tbh, I think that he'd get a ribbing for T'ai chi and far more awesomeness points for doing Kung Fu. You don't need to be big or strong to do martial arts and it gives great exercise. My brother was the same as your son and hated sports. He started to do a form of martial arts called Akido-Karate and from then on started liking sports and even started playing baseball, field hockey and rugby. Get the GP to check him out to make sure nothing medically is wrong and the go down the martial arts route!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 April 2011 - 23:23
Thanks so much for all the advice. Just came back from Pierchic. It was delightful! I can see that maybe the food isn't as special as at Reflets (will have to try them next), but for a romantic dinner it was perfect. We sat at the back looking out over the sea, feeling the soft breeze.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 April 2011 - 13:29
We have a Fisher and paykel with Gas hobb and electric oven. The oven is easy to control, but does run 25 degrees too hot - so I just adjust the temp down. (When it says 175, I set it too 150). Got it from Betterhomes? When we were looking only found 2 that were Gas hobb and electric oven - Electrolux and F&P...though there probably are others. I have the same oven and love it. I depends on what setting you put it if the temp is a too hot or not. It's not a good as my Boretti at home, but then that's a different price range too.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 April 2011 - 13:25
Etislat! Du doesn't have the best reception and depending on the area where you live it can be a nightmare! Price wise I don't think it makes much of a difference.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 April 2011 - 23:48
Is there anyone who tried this diet and found that it didn't work for them? I haven't tried it yet, and like all the postive feedback, but am curious to see if people didn't like this diet and why. Thinking about trying this or otherwise the low GI diet. Have quite a bit to loose, so looking for more of a lifestyle change then a quick diet.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 April 2011 - 11:04
I use these: www.sarahssweeties.nl Her sweeties are great, very comfortable and cute design. The website is in Dutch, but if you contact her at: [email protected] I'm sure she would be happy to help you and I think she is able to get them shipped to the UAE. I order them and then wait for friends or family to come out this way. Before that I also used Sudocream and it is great, but this imo is more convenient.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 00:22
It is. I always get a bit emotional when is comes to SA's issue's. It isn't my home country, but I do love it very very much. The country as a whole has got so much potential! Going on holiday there this August and can't wait!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 00:13
To be honest, going to Jhb for 2 days and not having any more time to see the rest of the country is not worth it imo. I was there for one day and went to see a lion park which was lovely and the Sandton Mall which is nice too. I was however glad to get back on a plane and fly down to Cape Town for the rest of our stay. Talking about walking in Jhb, I was staying in the Holiday Inn Hotel and walked with one other person to the Mall, about 5 min walk. We were the only white people walking and I was very much aware of my surroundings and vigilant. It was fine, but not pleasant. I lived in the Cape for a year, and met my husband there but I could never live there again. Too much nonsense and violence. If that went away we would move in a heartbeat. If I were you I would go to Italy.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 15:39
That's great! I think we might end up doing that. So, she comes in every morning and then leaves again to go home at the end of the day? Brilliant. Means you get a clean house and still all the privacy you need. Just a couple of questions, how do you know she won't be working for others too? And what about the other benefits that comes with the job; do you provide a ticket home? Does she need it? Or does she just get paid holidays? What about medical insurance, are you responsible? TIA
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 08:48
Good to read this post, I have one infected toe as we speak and it is not pleasant... Think I too will give up the mani/pedi thing. Shocked to hear about the MOE one as that's where I have been going lately as I too got fed up with the attitude of the girls at AR. However I have terribly dry feet and callus (no amount of cream seems to help), so I would need someone like a chiropodist or podiatrist to take care of my hooves. Are there any in Dubai? TIA.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 April 2011 - 15:16
Thanks Kylie, already asked the first question and thankfully neither of them are fussy. Agree with you about not going down the Arabic route, just like I would never cook pasta for an Italian friend. I'm not sure I want to do a roast, I do that quite often and really want to do something different... Just found a little book called Super Grub and it looks promising. Will have a good loook through that. KYP